Long and tousled haired: rock in Brazil and Portugal and its reception in the press (1970/1985)

Abstract

This article addresses historically and comparatively a few issues related to representations attached to rock music and the rocker universe in Brazilian and Portuguese press during the 1970's and until 1985. Based on the analysis of interpretation of media stories, interviews, and news reports, we intend to demonstrate that, although the image of long-haired men was not exclusive to the rocker world, tousled long hair became a representation of rocker circle. The image of the long-haired man (cabeludo) and the rocker was not often seen with good eyes at that time, due rather to behavior restrictions tan to political or party activismo or engagement. We also try to discuss the relationship between rock, youth rebellion, and the rocker attitude as defining characteristics of the genre.